There is some evidence associated with light drinking that alcohol improves health in some adults. Between one and two glasses daily has even been found to help protect against heart disease, dementia, and Alzheimers. And a small glass of red wine daily can reduce the risk of a stroke in women.

However, there is much more evidence showing that drinking too much alcohol leads to serious physical and mental illnesses. 

We often reach for a drink because we want to change the way we feel. Maybe we want to relax, to celebrate, or simply forget our day at work. More concerning is that many people drink to try and mask anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. These could include struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, such as physical or sexual abuse, divorce, losing a job or a loved one. Many people tend to use alcohol as a coping mechanism to escape the pain of those traumatic times. Drinking represses the negative emotions that affect the mental well being of those diagnosed with mental health issues or simply just feel emotionally drained.

A major reason for drinking alcohol is to change our mood or current mental state. Alcohol can temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression and it can help to temporarily relieve the symptoms of a more serious mental health problem. But, while alcohol can have a temporary positive impact on our mood, that positive impact is very short term. In the long term, it can cause bigger problems for our mental health, and studies show it’s linked to a range of issues from depression and memory loss and even to suicide.

Here are 10 mental health reasons not to drink alcohol from the YellowBrick Program.

  • Will interfere with the process of memory,
  • Interrupts normal sleep patterns,
  • It’s a direct central nervous system depressant,
  • Can provide short term relief when you are anxious, but can lead to anxiety,
  • It contributes to increased impulsivity,
  • May lead to lowered inhibitions,
  • Will increase the likelihood of using other substances,
  • Interfere with the therapeutic effects of prescribed drugs,
  • May be dangerous in combination with other medication,
  • Can trigger memories of past traumatic experiences.

If you or someone you know has a drinking problem and their mental health is a concern, seek help. For more on how alcohol can affect your mental health, click here.

The exclusive purpose of this article is educational and it is not intended as either legal advice or a general solution to any specific legal problem. Corporate offices for Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are located at 432 N. Franklin Street, Suite 80, Syracuse, NY 13204; Telephone No.: 1-866-792-7800. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.